Nipple Lichen
Pycnothelia papillaria
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Nipple Lichen faces severe decline due to air pollution, particularly nitrogen deposition and sulfur compounds that alter its sensitive chemical environment. Habitat fragmentation from urban development and agricultural expansion has reduced suitable substrate availability. Climate change poses additional stress through altered precipitation patterns and temperature extremes that affect this slow-growing species' ability to establish and persist.
Habitat
Nipple Lichen grows on acidic bark of mature trees, particularly conifers, in old-growth and semi-natural forests with high humidity and clean air. It requires stable microclimatic conditions and is typically found in undisturbed woodland environments away from pollution sources.
Other threatened species in Cladoniaceae
Frequently asked questions
Why is Nipple Lichen classified as Endangered?
Where does Nipple Lichen live?
What are the main threats to Nipple Lichen?
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